Tax season might be over for now, but sometimes you need a copy of a previous year's tax return for various reasons – applying for a loan, financial aid, or simply for your own records. If you used TurboTax to file your 2020 tax return, getting a copy is usually a straightforward process. This lengthy guide will walk you through every step to ensure you can easily retrieve your 2020 tax return from TurboTax.
Let's dive in and get that 2020 tax return!
How Do I Get a Copy of My 2020 Tax Return from TurboTax? A Comprehensive Guide
Getting a copy of your 2020 tax return from TurboTax largely depends on how you filed it in the first place: whether you used TurboTax Online or a TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download) product. We'll cover both scenarios in detail.
Step 1: Determine How You Filed Your 2020 Return
Before we proceed, it's crucial to remember how you initially prepared and filed your 2020 taxes. Did you log into a web browser and complete your taxes directly on the TurboTax website (TurboTax Online)? Or did you purchase a CD or download the TurboTax software to your computer (TurboTax Desktop)? This distinction is key to following the correct steps.
If you used TurboTax Online: Your return is stored securely in your TurboTax account on their servers.
If you used TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download): Your return should be saved on the computer you used to prepare it.
Once you've identified your filing method, you can proceed to the relevant steps below.
Step 2: Retrieving Your 2020 Tax Return from TurboTax Online
If you used TurboTax Online, the process is generally quite simple. TurboTax stores your returns for up to seven years.
Sub-heading 2.1: Logging into Your TurboTax Account
Go to the TurboTax Website: Open your web browser and navigate to the official TurboTax website:
https://turbotax.intuit.com/.Sign In: Look for the "Sign In" or "My Account" button, usually located in the top right corner of the page. Click on it.
Enter Your Credentials: Enter the same user ID and password you used when you filed your 2020 tax return.
Important Note: If you have multiple TurboTax accounts, ensure you are logging into the correct one. If you can't find your return, it's a common issue to have filed under a different user ID or email address. TurboTax offers tools to help you find all your accounts if this is the case (see FAQ below).
Two-Factor Authentication (if applicable): If you have two-factor authentication enabled, you'll need to enter the code sent to your registered phone or email.
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigating to Your Past Returns
Once you're successfully logged into your TurboTax account:
Access Your Tax Home/Dashboard: You should be on your "Tax Home" or a similar dashboard page.
Find "Your Tax Returns & Documents": Scroll down the page. You'll typically find a section labeled "Your tax returns & documents" or something similar. Click on it.
Select the 2020 Tax Year: A list of your filed tax years should appear. Locate and select 2020.
Download/Print Your Return: Once you've selected the 2020 tax year, you should see an option to "Download/print return (PDF)" or "Open return." Click this option.
This will usually download a PDF file of your complete 2020 tax return, including all forms and schedules, to your computer.
You can then open the PDF and print it for your records or save it digitally.
Sub-heading 2.3: Troubleshooting Common Online Access Issues
Forgot Password/User ID: TurboTax has a "Forgot User ID or Password" link on the sign-in page. Follow the prompts to recover your credentials.
Return Not Showing Up: As mentioned, verify you're in the correct TurboTax account. Sometimes people create new accounts inadvertently. TurboTax has a tool to help you find all accounts associated with your personal information.
Technical Glitches: If you encounter an error message or the page isn't loading correctly, try clearing your browser's cache and cookies, or try using a different web browser.
Step 3: Retrieving Your 2020 Tax Return from TurboTax Desktop (CD/Download)
If you used the TurboTax Desktop software, your tax return is saved on your computer's hard drive, not on TurboTax's servers. This means you need access to the computer you used for filing.
Sub-heading 3.1: Locating Your Tax File on Your Computer
Open the TurboTax Software (if installed): If you still have the 2020 TurboTax software installed on your computer, open it.
Browse for Your Return: Within the software, look for an option like "Open an existing return" or "File."
Typical Save Locations:
Windows: By default, TurboTax files are often saved in your "Documents" folder, specifically in a "TurboTax" subfolder (e.g.,
Documents > TurboTax > 2020). Look for a file with a.tax20extension (e.g.,YourName_2020_TaxReturn.tax20).Mac: Similar to Windows, check your "Documents" folder or "Applications" folder for a "TurboTax" folder.
Use Your Computer's Search Function: If you can't find it manually, use your operating system's search function (Windows Search or macOS Spotlight) and search for "*.tax20" or "TurboTax 2020."
Sub-heading 3.2: Opening and Printing Your Return
Once you've located the .tax20 file:
Double-Click the File: Double-clicking the
.tax20file should automatically open it in your installed TurboTax 2020 software.Navigate to Print/Save Options: Once the return is open, look for "File" in the top menu bar, then select "Print" or "Save as PDF."
You can then print a physical copy or save it as a PDF to your computer for digital safekeeping.
Sub-heading 3.3: What if You Don't Have the 2020 Software Installed?
This is a common hurdle. TurboTax does not sell or provide downloads for software older than a few years (e.g., 2020 or earlier).
Option A: Reinstall from Your CD (if you have it): If you originally purchased the CD-ROM version, and you still have the CD and the computer on which it was installed (or a compatible one), you might be able to reinstall the 2020 software and then open your saved
.tax20file.Option B: Look for a PDF Printout from the Original Filing: When you finalize your return with TurboTax Desktop, it often prompts you to print a PDF copy for your records. Check your documents for a PDF file that would have been created around the time you filed. This is often the easiest workaround if you don't have the software.
Option C: Request a Transcript from the IRS (see Step 4): If you cannot access your TurboTax Desktop file or the software, your most reliable alternative is to request a tax transcript or a full copy of your return directly from the IRS.
Step 4: Obtaining Your Tax Return from the IRS (Alternative Method)
Regardless of whether you used TurboTax Online or Desktop, if you're having trouble retrieving your return directly from TurboTax, you can always obtain a copy or a transcript from the IRS.
Sub-heading 4.1: Understanding the Difference: Transcript vs. Copy
Tax Transcript: This is a summary of your tax return information. It shows most line items from your original Form 1040-series tax return, along with any forms and schedules. It does not include the actual copies of your forms or attachments. There are different types of transcripts (Tax Return Transcript, Tax Account Transcript, Wage and Income Transcript, etc.), and the Tax Return Transcript is often sufficient for many purposes (e.g., AGI verification for FAFSA or loan applications). These are usually free.
Actual Copy of Your Tax Return: This is a complete photocopy of your entire submitted tax return, including all forms, schedules, and attachments as originally filed. The IRS charges a fee for each copy ($43 as of the latest information) and it can take longer to process.
Sub-heading 4.2: How to Get a Tax Transcript from the IRS
Getting a tax transcript is often the fastest and free option.
Online (Fastest):
Go to the IRS "Get Transcript Online" page:
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcriptYou'll need to verify your identity, which can involve providing personal information, financial account numbers (like a credit card or loan number), and a mobile phone number for a verification code.
Once verified, you can view, print, or download your Tax Return Transcript for 2020.
By Mail:
Go to the IRS "Get Transcript by Mail" page on their website.
You'll need to provide your Social Security Number, date of birth, and mailing address from your latest tax return.
The transcript will be mailed to the address on file within 5 to 10 calendar days.
You can also call their automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946.
Using Form 4506-T: If the online or phone methods don't work for you, or if you need a specific type of transcript (like a Wage and Income Transcript), you can fill out and mail Form 4506-T, "Request for Transcript of Tax Return." This form is free.
Sub-heading 4.3: How to Get a Copy of Your Full Tax Return from the IRS
If a transcript isn't enough and you need the complete, certified copy of your 2020 tax return:
Download Form 4506: Go to the IRS website and download Form 4506, "Request for Copy of Tax Return."
Fill Out the Form:
Enter your name, Social Security Number (and spouse's if it was a joint return).
Enter your current address. If different from the address on your 2020 return, enter the previous address on line 4.
On line 6, indicate "Form 1040" (or 1040-SR, 1040A, 1040EZ, etc., if applicable).
On line 7, specify the tax year ending date: 12/31/2020.
On line 8b, indicate "1" for one copy.
On line 8c, calculate the total fee ($43 x 1 = $43).
Sign and Mail with Payment:
Sign the form.
Include a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury" for the fee.
Mail the completed Form 4506 and payment to the appropriate IRS address listed on page 2 of the form (this varies by the state you lived in when you filed).
Be aware that processing can take up to 75 days for a copy of your return.
Step 5: Safeguarding Your Retrieved Tax Return
Once you have your copy, it's a great idea to keep it secure.
Digital Backup: Save the PDF copy to a cloud storage service (like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive) and/or an external hard drive, ensuring it's encrypted or password-protected.
Physical Copy: Store any printed copies in a secure, fireproof location, such as a home safe or a locked filing cabinet.
Review for Accuracy: Take a moment to quickly review the copy to ensure it's the correct year and matches your expectations.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully obtain a copy of your 2020 tax return from TurboTax or directly from the IRS.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to access my old TurboTax accounts?
TurboTax has a tool to help you find accounts associated with your Social Security Number or email addresses. Go to their support site and search for "find all my accounts." You might need to try different email addresses you've used in the past.
How to get a tax transcript if I can't verify my identity online with the IRS?
If online identity verification fails, you can still request a transcript by mail via the IRS website's "Get Transcript by Mail" tool or by calling their automated phone service at 800-908-9946.
How to know if I used TurboTax Online or Desktop for my 2020 return?
Think about how you purchased the product. Did you pay for a subscription directly on the TurboTax website, or did you buy a physical CD or download an installation file? If it was a website subscription, it's likely online. If you installed something on your computer, it's desktop.
How to print a tax return from the TurboTax Mobile App?
While the mobile app allows you to access and even prepare returns, printing usually requires signing in to your TurboTax account on a desktop or laptop web browser for the full print/download options, as mobile devices often have limited printing capabilities.
How to get my Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) from my 2020 return?
Your AGI is clearly stated on your IRS Form 1040 (line 11 for 2020). You can find this by retrieving a copy of your full return or by requesting a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS, which will show your AGI.
How to find out if the IRS has a copy of my 2020 tax return?
If you successfully e-filed or mailed your return to the IRS, they will have a record. The easiest way to confirm is by attempting to get a transcript from the IRS website. If a transcript is available, it means they have your return on file.
How to get a copy of my state tax return from TurboTax?
When you download your federal return from TurboTax Online, your state return is usually included in the same PDF. If you used the Desktop software, your state return would be saved alongside your federal return file on your computer.
How to pay for a copy of my tax return requested from the IRS?
When requesting a full copy of your return using Form 4506, you must include a check or money order payable to "United States Treasury" for the applicable fee ($43 per return as of the latest IRS information).
How to get a prior year tax return if I no longer have access to the computer I used?
If you used TurboTax Desktop and no longer have the computer, your best bet is to try retrieving it from TurboTax Online (if you also used it for e-filing) or, more reliably, requesting a transcript or full copy directly from the IRS using the methods described in Step 4.
How to contact TurboTax customer support for help?
You can usually find "Contact Us" or "Support" links on the TurboTax website. For phone support, the general TurboTax support number is 1-800-446-8848. Be prepared with your user ID and any relevant account information.